Intrinsic Cabernet Sauvignon

Intrinsic Cabernet Sauvignon is a 750ml, 14.5% ABV Columbia Valley red wine defined by an unconventional extended maceration technique rarely seen in Washington State. The 2014 vintage earned 92 points from Wine Enthusiast, and subsequent vintages have collected Gold Medals at both the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (2019 vintage) and the Berlin Wine Trophy (2018 vintage).

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington State  |  Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Winery: Intrinsic Wine Co. (Ste. Michelle Wine Estates)

Production & Heritage

Intrinsic Wine Co. operates under the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates umbrella, with winemaking led by Juan Muñoz Oca. The defining production choice is an extended maceration lasting up to nine months for roughly 45% of the wine—dramatically longer than the typical one-month skin contact standard in Washington. More than half the fruit is sourced from Horse Heaven Hills vineyards planted in Burbank rocky loam soil, a well-drained terrain that stresses vines and concentrates flavor. The result is a wine that draws out deeper, more savory characteristics from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape than conventional methods typically allow.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Leather and ripe cherry rise first, followed by a fragrant, floral layer of violet and red plum. There is a subtle earthy undertone reminiscent of tomato paste and dried herbs that signals the wine's savory bent.

Taste: The entry is rich with blueberry jam and pomegranate, giving the mid-palate a concentrated fruit core. As it develops, darker notes of chocolate, balsamic, black olive, and cola take over, adding complexity. Vanilla threads through, likely from oak contact, while savory herbs keep the wine grounded.

Finish: Medium-long with a rustic yet silky texture that avoids heaviness. Lingering chocolate and olive tapenade notes give way to a dry, savory close.

How to Drink Intrinsic Cab

This wine shows well at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with 30 minutes of air, either decanted or poured into a large-bowled glass. Its bold fruit and savory structure also make it a strong cocktail and mixed-drink component.

• Kalimotxo: The wine's dark-fruit sweetness and cola notes naturally mirror this classic red wine and cola combination from Spain.
• Red Wine Sangria: Blueberry and pomegranate flavors amplify fresh-fruit additions without losing backbone.
• New York Sour: The rustic tannins and balsamic edge hold up against whiskey and lemon, adding depth to the red wine float.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners that call for a serious but approachable red
• Introducing someone to Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon
• Blind-tasting lineups comparing New World Cabernet styles
• Gifting a wine drinker who gravitates toward bold, savory reds

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Intrinsic Cab taste like? It leads with concentrated blueberry jam and pomegranate before shifting into darker flavors of chocolate, black olive, balsamic, and cola. The texture is rustic yet silky, finishing dry and savory rather than overtly fruity.

How does Intrinsic Cab compare to Substance Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are Columbia Valley Cabernets at accessible price points, but Intrinsic's nine-month extended maceration produces a noticeably more savory, olive-and-herb profile. Substance, made by Charles Smith, tends toward bolder, riper dark fruit with more prominent oak influence.

Is Intrinsic Cab good for sipping neat? Yes—its layered aromatics and savory complexity reward slow, attentive drinking, especially after a brief decant to open the floral and herbal notes.

Where is Intrinsic Cab made? It is produced in Washington State's Columbia Valley AVA, with a significant portion of the fruit sourced from Horse Heaven Hills vineyards grown in Burbank rocky loam soil. Winemaking falls under the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates portfolio.

What foods pair well with Intrinsic Cab? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's herbal and savory character. Aged cheddar or Manchego echo its balsamic undertones. Mushroom risotto mirrors the earthy, umami-driven finish. Dark-chocolate desserts align with the cocoa notes on the mid-palate. Braised short ribs match the wine's weight and rustic tannin structure.

What sizes does Intrinsic Cab come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle.

Is Intrinsic Cab worth the price? It positions as a mid-range Columbia Valley Cabernet, but the extended maceration technique and critical recognition—including 92 points from Wine Enthusiast and multiple Gold Medals—put it in competition with wines priced well above its tier.

Why Intrinsic Cab?

The nine-month extended maceration applied to nearly half the blend is the clearest differentiator here; very few Washington producers invest that kind of time in skin contact for a wine at this price level. That technique pulls savory, olive, and herbal dimensions out of Cabernet Sauvignon that most Columbia Valley bottlings simply don't display. Critical validation from Wine Enthusiast (92 points, 2014 vintage) and Gold Medals at major international competitions confirm the approach delivers results. For anyone looking to explore what Washington Cabernet can do beyond ripe fruit and heavy oak, this bottle makes a compelling case.